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​​He is RisenThe two disciples were in grief walking the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus because Jesus had just died. They were also confused because that morning they heard from the women that the tomb now stood empty.

In their sadness and confusion, Jesus himself comes and walks with them, though they don’t know it’s the Lord. Only later, in the breaking of the bread, do they realize that He is alive. And that changes everything.

For us also, in whatever situation we find ourselves in joy or grief, work or play, the same is true. We are not alone. He is with us. He is Risen. He is Risen indeed! Who is this Jesus?

The sermons in May will address the question: Who is this Jesus?May 7 - He is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for us - Also come to the Ministry fair in the Fellowship Hall. May 14 - He is the Way, Truth and Life - Didi Panzo, our missionary in the Congo, will be with us for worship and adult class. May 21 - He will not leave us orphans - We also recognize our graduates and last day of Sunday school.May 28 - Knowing him is Eternal Life - Today will be our last 8:00 & 10:30 AM worship services until the fall.June 4 - Services will be at 9:00 AM.

Sunday Classes: New Member Class - between services held in the SanctuaryRegrets, Reality, Restoration DVD class - upstairsThere’s probably not one of us who wouldn’t appreciate a do-over or two when we look back at the course of our lives. With age and experience come the sobering realization we’ve all blow it more than a few times. Sometimes the misstep is catastrophic in its consequences, leaving others devastated by our actions-or inactions; sometimes the mistake is fatal, leaving another just that: dead.

In Regrets, Reality, Restoration, you will hear the heartfelt stories of people who have experienced profound regret over their actions. Their stories come from past decisions and circumstances that colored their futures in many ways. Excessive drug and alcohol abuse, abandoning one’s Christian faith, poor ethical decisions, tragic accidents—-these are the events our interviewees went through; you may have your own. As distraught as these individuals had become, see how-even in their most tormented moments-it was God’s love in Christ Jesus that brought forgiveness and restoration to their anguished pasts. Video Sessions: 1. It Only Took Once 2. I’m So Sorry 3. You’re Forgiven 4. But for a Moment

Mark Your Calendars - the Social Ministry Fair is Coming May 7The Social Ministry Committee invites the entire congregation to attend this unique event. The purposes of The Fair are to: 1) raise awareness of ministries we support, and 2) encourage each other to find ways to volunteer or otherwise participate in reaching out to those in need.

Plan to attend anytime between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. There will be various social ministries represented offering many ways you can be the hands and feet of Christ. Light refreshments will be available.Contact David Reily for more information.

Senior Adult Ministry Computer Class - Friday, May 5 at 10:00 AMTravel Group - MAY GET-TO-GETHER is Sunday, May 21 at 2:00 PM at the home of Bart & Donna EwersSenior Social - May 24/June 28/July 26/Aug. 23​Join us for our monthly get together to socialize, play dominoes, or do crafts. There is no obligation to participate in the games. Individuals bring their own crafts to work on. Others use the opportunity to just sit and talk. Light snacks are provided.

Habitat For HumanityThe workday will be May 13th. Sign-up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall or contact Ray Sherrier.

​Special Projects GroupThe Special Projects Group is alive and well. We have several projects lined up for the spring and summer that might interest you:

A large fire mitigation project that may take several weeks. We will have a youth mission group from out of town to help with about 10 volunteers a week, but we will need your help with the chain saw work and hauling slash to the disposal site. We could also use some help with lunches for the volunteers. Work will be scheduled from Monday through Thursday with the mission group, and on Saturdays. Dates are pending.

We have another smaller fire mitigation project planned for early summer -- same kind of work, but with only help from our congregation. We could use up to 10 volunteers to cut and haul slash. This work will mainly be done over one weekend. Dates pending based on volunteer availability. This will be a great project!

We plan to rebuild a 130 year old structure on the Ullom homestead. It needs a new roof and floor, as well as support for the walls. This one will be fun. Work schedule will be flexible. Dates TBD.

More projects are sure to come along. If you would like to be a part of the Special Projects Group, or specifically with one of these projects, please contact Joe Dowdy or sign-up on bulletin board. I’ll keep you posted on our upcoming projects. This is a great way to serve both those in our congregation and community.

Men’s Mutual Support GroupOn Saturday mornings at 8:30 AM, after the Men’s Bible Study, some of the guys stay to connect on a more personal level. They share what’s going on in their lives, past experiences, just whatever is on their mind. This opens up conversations and connections that allow for friendships to grow and support and concern for one another to happen. This is open to any of our guys, so come get to know others and be connected. For more information call the office or Dick Cole.

REDISCOVER JESUS – The invitation and challenge continue. Many of you have read and are still reading Rediscover Jesus. We are offering a 5 week study on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM beginning May 3. During this time we will focus on the 4 practical ways to get close to Jesus:

Stay close to him and close the gap.

Read the four gospels over and over again.

Practice the Prayer Process – enter into a daily conversation with Jesus -Deny yourself each day.

Practice spontaneous prayer – talking to Jesus as your day unfolds.

There will also be time for sharing what aspects of the book struck you and how you are/can let God change you through them.Come join me!Grace & Peace, Jan Duncan

Young Adults We are taking a break for the months of April and May. We will resume over the summer. For questions, please connect with Sedra or the office at 719-495-2221

NurseryCaring for our little ones is a vital ministry here at BFLC. We have openings for both adults and teens this summer. This is a paid position. If you are interested or have questions contact Lisa in the office.

New Church Directories are in your church mailbox!

WHO’S RETIRING?It’s me, Jan Duncan. The time has come to move to the next phase of my life and see what God has next in store for me. I have truly loved my time here at BFLC, serving God amongst you has been so rewarding. I will still be worshipping here and so will still have the pleasure of your presence in my life. My last day will be June 30. Thank you for being a part of my world and for growing in Christ right along with me for these past 12 ½ years.Grace & Peace,Jan Duncan

BFLC Book GroupWe'rereading in May - "Year of Wonders" by Geraldine BrooksDiscussion on Wednesday, May 17 at 1 PMWhen the plague visits an isolated village in the English countryside, a housemaid named Anna Frith emerges as an unlikely heroine and healer. Through Anna's eyes we follow the story of the fateful year of 1666, as she and her fellow villagers endure a self-imposed quarantine to keep the disease from spreading. As death reaches into every household and villagers turn from prayers to murderous witch-hunting, Anna must find the strength to confront the disintegration of her community and the lure of illicit love. As she struggles to survive and grow, a year of catastrophe becomes instead annus mirabilis, a "year of wonders." Inspired by the true story of the village of Eyam, "Year of Wonders" is a richly detailed evocation of a singular moment in history. All are welcome to join us at the church for discussion and refreshments Copies of the book on loan from the Pikes Peak Library District Book Club Collection are available in the church office to be signed out. Please contact Nancy Lord with questions.

May Wedding Anniversaries:

2 - Paul & Judy Burke

2 - Chuck & Pat Holte

3 - Dan & Leslie Brooks

3 - Brenda & Robert Misel

5 - Shane & Lauren Swenson

7 - Jim & Debbie Kent

11 - Bob & Cindy Boudreau

12 - John & Connie Pickron

23 - Richard & Carolyn Byrnes

23 - Bob & Margaret Zancanella

27 - Harold & Sunny Wilson

27 - Bob & Joyce Witte

30 - Todd & Tara Cook

31 - Dan & Darlene Johnson

Migrant Workers Find Comfort Every year, over 4, 000 migrant farmworkers stream into the San Luis Valley to work harvest. With sporadic work, low wages, lack of family resources, and limited access to social services, migrants are a population that live close to the edge of crisis, often lacking basic resources.

Coordinate the volunteer ministry program encouraging participation by members in the various ministries of the church.

Know the people of the congregation; their gifts, talents, time and needs so pastoral care by the pastor and support by the congregation can be provided.

Become the focal point for the church's committees to help keep them fully staffed. Interface with staff and assist quality control to insure efficient, accurate, and timely completion of essential functions.

Part-time Employment: This is an hourly job that typically averages 15 hours/week. Requirements vary depending on the time of year. Some of the work may be accomplished at home with flexible hours. An office is provided.

Start Date: The job starts June 1, 2017​Contact Information: If interested, please contact Jim Kent at dajskent@msn.com,719-440-7011 or Patsy Wurster at patsywurster@comcast.net, 719-358-1064 on the Mutual Ministry Committee for a complete description of the tasks required.

Youth NewsConfirmation Camp - June 4-6 at Messiah Mountain Retreat Center. Cost: $50 VBS -July 2-7El Paso Mission Trip - July 8-15El Paso Mission Trip BFLC and Cristo Rey have been partners for almost two decades. Over the past few years, BFLC has consistently sent adults and youth to be part of the El Paso Border Immersion Program each summer. The El Paso Mission trip is not only an opportunity to strengthen relationship between the two congregations and their youth ministries, but also a chance for our youth to learn about the immigration realities and life on the borders from the various sides. Besides, the youth of BFLC will have a chance to grow in their faith and love for God and in serving his people as they lead the Vacation Bible School program for that week. This is a great opportunity for the youth to grow in worship, ministry, evangelism, discipleship and ministry. Dates: July 8-15. Let Sedra know if you are interested.

The church office will be closing at noon on Fridays in June, July, and August. Also, There will only be one Scribe in June and July.

Sedra’s Africa Trip​On April 23, the Sunday after Easter, Sedra, our youth director, will share about his trip to Kenya. As the first disciples were witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection, so also are we, Sedra participated in the discipleship training of Anglican church leaders in Nairobi.

New Sunday classes begin on April 23 at 9:30 AM.1. New Member Class - in the sanctuary.2. Regrets, Reality, and Restoration DVD - upstairs. Led by Melanie. How did Peter recover after denying Jesus? How do we recover when we have blown it?New Weekday Classes1. A Free Heart-with counselor Lynn Cerullo - starts Monday, April 24 at 6:30 PM. For details and cost go to http://www.bflchurch.org/a-free-heart.html 2. Growing Deeper - Bible study with Pastor Ken resumes Tuesday, April 25 at 6:30 PM. Lives transformed: Thomas, read John 11, 14, 20.

SENIOR MINISTRIESPotluck Luncheon - Thursday April 20th at 11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Sedra will be sharing details about his recent trip to Kenya. Sign-up on bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. Senior Ministry Computer Classes - Chris and George Cooper are offering computer classes to our senior adult members. The first class is scheduled for Friday, April 21st, at 10:00 AM at the church. It will touch on the computer machine itself, discussion concerning how often to meet, and what type of classes the members are looking for.Senior Social - April 26 and May 24​Join us for our monthly get together to socialize, play dominoes, or do crafts. There is no obligation to participate in the games. Individuals bring their own crafts to work on. Others use the opportunity to just sit and talk. Light snacks are provided.Monthly Social Outing - Thursday, April 27thDinner at Mimi's Cafe - Mark your Calendar - Details to Come

What the Book Group is reading for April - Life of Pi by Yann Martel Discussion on Wed., April 19th at 1 PM All are welcome to join us at the church for discussion and refreshments.

Military Care Boxes - We are sending out Military care boxes for Memorial Day. If you would like to help bring in any of the following by April 30:Jelly Beans, Comics, Peanuts, Lemonade (ind. packs), Gum, Snack pack of cookies, Slim Jims Jerky (ind. packs), Lifesavers, Trail Mix, Cracker Snacks, and Puzzle Books. Please mark them Military and put them in the laundry cart in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks for supporting our military members in this way!!!

BFLC Church Workday - Saturday, May 20th from 8:30 AM -12:30 PM.Come, help us do outdoor clean-up and other repair jobs. Lunch is provided. Bring gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, etc.

Mark Your Calendars – the Social Ministry Fair is ComingThe Social Ministry Committee will be hosting a Social Ministry Fair on Sunday, May 7, 2017 and invites the entire congregation to attend this unique event. The purposes of The Fair are to: 1) raise awareness of ministries we support, and 2) encourage each other to find ways to volunteer or otherwise participate in reaching out to those in need. Plan to attend anytime between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. There will be various social ministries represented offering many ways you can be the hands and feet of Christ. Light refreshments will be available. Contact David Reily for more information.

Habitat For Humanity UpdateOn Saturday March 11th volunteers from Black Forest Lutheran Church joined with First United Methodist Church to work on a home in Fountain. We had a great turn out and accomplished a major portion by completing the shingling of the roof in one day. A big thank you to all who participated in this community project. The next event will be May 13th. Sign-up sheet will be in the Fellowship Hall in April or contact Ray Sherrier.

Various Agency CollectionsIn the Fellowship Hall under the bulletin board there is a cabinet with drawers. Each drawer is marked with the items we are collecting for various agencies. We collect the following: Box Tops for Education, Wolford School Aluminum Pop Tops from cans, Ronald McDonald House Recycled cell phones, batteries and chargers. There is a basket for greeting cards (fronts only) - St. Jude’s Ranch Quarters in the Offering Plate, Food for the Poor - pennies in the Offering Plateand Mosaic. We invite you to participate.

​Young Adults - We are taking a break for the months of April and May. We will resume over the summer. For questions, please connect with Sedra or the office at 719-495-2221

Nursery - Caring for our little ones is a vital ministry here at BFLC. We have openings for both adults and teens this summer. This is a paid position. If you are interested or have questions contact Lisa in the office.

Lutheran Family Services - Be part of a fun event May 11 - A Taste of Hope!BFLC is a sponsor for this year’s event that helps LFS raise money for their various programs: adoption and pregnancy counseling, foster care, refugee resettlement, disaster response, respite care, and older adult services. With the church’s sponsorship, we have two free tickets to share with anyone who would like to attend this event (first come, first serve). Additional tickets are $25/adult, $20/child. It will be Thursday, May 11, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. There will be an array of foods to sample, a chef competition, games, a live demo of the torch lighting ceremony, and much more! If you’re interested in attending this event, please email Suzanne Dubois at suzdubois92@outlook.com.

Coming Up for Youth​Confirmation Camp - June 4-6Vacation Bible School - July 2-7El Paso Mission Trip - July 8-15El Paso Mission Trip BFLC and Cristo Rey have been partners for almost two decades. Over the past few years, BFLC has consistently sent adults and youth to be part of the El Paso Border Immersion Program each summer. The El Paso Mission trip is not only an opportunity to strengthen relationship between the two congregations and their youth ministries, but also a chance for our youth to learn about the immigration realities and life on the borders from the various sides. Besides, the youth of BFLC will have a chance to grow in their faith and love for God and in serving his people as they lead the Vacation Bible School program for that week. This is a great opportunity for the youth to grow in worship, ministry, evangelism, discipleship and ministry. Dates: July 8-15.Let Sedra know if you are interested.

Holy WeekPalm/Passion Sunday - April 9 at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AMWe wave Palm branches as we hear of Jesus’ triumphant entry intoJerusalem. Then hear the dramatic reading of his Passion; how the oncejoyful crowd turns angry and cries out for his death on a cross.

​Kids gather in the fellowship hall prior to worship for Palm procession.

Maundy Thursday - April 13 at 7:00 PMIn the context of the Holden Evening prayers service, we wrap up our serieson Rediscover Jesus. Worship includes Holy Communion and ends withthe dramatic stripping of the altar, preparing us for the starkness of GoodFriday. Join us for the last soup supper at 6:00 PM.

Good Friday - April 14 at 7:00 PMCalled good because on this Friday the greatest gift ever was given; the lifeof our Lord for us. Readings are interspersed with song as we hear the storyof our Lord’s Passion in the gradual darkening of the sanctuary.

Lenten OfferingsThis year’s Lenten offerings will be collected for our Good Samaritan Fund. The Social Ministry Committee administers this fund whose purpose is intended to provide funds to predominately Coloradoans who have suffered a personal or natural disaster. The broad areas of assistance include help for natural or man-made disasters, people in need, health problems, or housing needs.

Over the past several years, contributions to this fund were used to buy trees for Black Forest fire victims, a foster parent who had cystic fibrosis, and victims of the Canadian wildfires (they had helped us in the past). Recently, the Social Ministry Committee spent money from this fund to help Colleen Little Moon in Pine Ridge purchase a used car when hers broke down.​We really appreciate your contributions during Lent to this fund!

Choir Practice - Choir practice is at 7:50 PM through April 5.

Easter LiliesSign-up for Easter lilies has been posted on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall. Cost is $10.00, put in offering plate or on office desk. PRINT information on the sign-up sheet.​Black Forest Cares needs Hams!Would you like to donate a ham for an Easter dinner basket? Please let Lydia know or sign-up. Hams need to be at the church by April 9.

A Free Heart - A Journey into self discovery and intimacy building people skills. Counselor and teacher Lynn Cerullo will provide a 4 week series she will be leading April 24 - May 15. The cost for the series is $60.00.

Some hot topics will be:Learning to trust againSafe and unsafe peopleDealing with difficult peopleThe art of difficult conversations